Roki Sasaki is among the players expected to rejoin the Los Angeles Dodgers this week as they inch closer to full strength ahead of the postseason.
The right-hander has been on the 15-day injured list since Aug. 27 due to a blister on his right middle finger, but made steady progress throughout his recovery. He has thrown multiple bullpen sessions and live batting practices this month, including 48 pitches over four innings last Wednesday.
Sasaki was originally slated to return as a starting pitcher, but he now appears headed to the bullpen for the remainder of the 2026 season. The 24-year-old is capable of pitching multiple innings as a reliever, but not in the traditional sense of a bulk pitcher.
“I can see multiples, but it’s not going to be bulk as in four or five innings. It won’t be that,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Sasaki’s role.
Sasaki won’t be limited to simply providing length out of the bullpen. Roberts also indicated that he would feel comfortable using him in high-leverage situations, but only at the start of a “clean inning.”
As for whether Sasaki could get save opportunities, it’s something that Roberts might consider down the road.
“It won’t be in the ninth the first time, but it potentially could fall out (that way),” the Dodgers skipper said.
Tanner Scott has been the Dodgers’ primary closer in recent weeks, but Edwin Díaz recently returned from the 15-day IL and is hoping to eventually reclaim the role. Edgardo Henriquez also received save opportunities prior to landing on the IL with lower back discomfort.
Roki Sasaki’s postseason success
Sasaki shined as a reliever during the Dodgers’ World Series run last year, pitching to a minuscule 0.84 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with three saves in nine appearances. His previous success on baseball’s biggest stage played a role in the team’s decision to once again move him to the bullpen.
“Yeah. He’s done it, he’s really good, he’s a neutral pitcher, high-octane stuff,” Roberts said. “You really just need four starters, so we’re in a good spot there for now.”
Along with Sasaki, the Dodgers’ postseason bullpen could include other traditional starters such as Justin Wrobleski and Emmet Sheehan. The club’s starting rotation will feature two of the league’s best arms in Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tarik Skubal.
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